De Silvestro says 'I was not too nervous in the morning...But after completing the installation lap I realized that this was my first lap in a Formula One car, and that this was something really special.'

Ready for action: Simona de Silvestro poses prior to a training session with Sauber in Italy on Saturday

Big dreams: De Silvestro stands next to a Sauber F1 2012 car as she aims to compete next year

On the track: De Silvestro completed two laps of Ferrari's Fiorano test track near Modena, Italy

The 25-year-old de Silvestro was confirmed as an affiliated driver with Sauber at the beginning of the year after four years in IndyCar. She earned her first career podium in October with a second-place finish at Houston. It was the first podium finish for a woman on a road course in IndyCar.

The plan is to complete enough testing this year to gain an FIA superlicense, allowing her to line up on the grid in 2015.

De Silvestro follows in the footsteps of British racer Susie Wolff who will become the first female racer since 1992 to take part in a grand prix weekend in July when she will participate in practice sessions at the British Grand Prix.

New test: This was De Silvestro's first taste of Formula One after four years in IndyCar

Stepping up: British racer Susie Wolff will take part in practice sessions at the British Grand Prix in July